Supplements Taken for Migraine Headaches

Taking supplements to mitigate or reduce the symptoms of migraine headaches should be done under the supervision of a health care provider and done systematically so that if there is a problem with one it is easily identifiable. Supplements should only be used after food and other triggers have been identified and mitigated.

Feverfew

• Feverfew (Tanacetum Parthenium) is used as a natural supplement to prevent migraine headaches. Clinical tests reported by the National Headache Foundation showed good results. Most must take feverfew for several months before realizing any benefits from it.

Ginger

• Ginger has antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties to it that may explain its effectiveness and growing popularity for treatment of migraine headaches. The use of ginger also seems to reduce nausea as well reports the National Headache Foundation.

Magnesium Chloride

• Magnesium chloride is often used in treating vascular headaches. Its use in treating migraine and cluster headaches is commonly recommended. Magnesium can cause serious toxic reactions if excessive doses are taken. The recommended dose is 200 to 500 mg/day.

Calcium

• Reduce calcium losses by avoiding animal protein, caffeine, tobacco, sodium and sugar. "Take an additional 1,000 to 2,000 milligrams per day of elemental calcium," says Dr. Burton M. Altura, professor of physiology and medicine at the State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn. "People who have low magnesium and elevated calcium levels are among those who are most successfully treated."

Vitamin B-2

• High doses of vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin) may decrease the frequency and length of migraine headaches. Vitamin B-2 is water soluble and is not retained in the body. The recommended dose for migraine sufferers is 400 mg/day (200 times the recommended daily allowance). If the body doesn't use the B-2, it disposes of it.